The colossal statue of Amenhotep III and Tiye stands as a remarkable testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Egypt. This grand limestone sculpture, featuring Pharaoh Amenhotep III, his Great Royal Wife Tiye, and three of their daughters, is the largest known dyad ever carved. Originally located in Medinet Habu, Western Thebes, the statue now resides in the main hall of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
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Description and Features
The statue, made of limestone, measures 4.4 meters in width and 7 meters in height. Amenhotep III is depicted with the nemes headdress, a false beard, and a kilt, resting his hands on his knees. Tiye, sitting to his left, has her right arm around her husband’s waist. Her height, equal to that of the pharaoh, underscores her prominent status. She wears an ankle-length dress and a heavy wig adorned with a vulture headdress and double uraei.
The three smaller figures represent three of their daughters. Princess Henuttaneb, standing between her parents, is depicted as a grown woman in a close-fitting dress and full wig with modius and plumes. The damaged figures of the younger daughters, Nebetah and an unnamed princess, stand beside Amenhotep and Tiye, respectively. This statue is one of only two known depictions of Henuttaneb and the only one of Nebetah.
Historical Context
Experts believe the statue was likely carved around the time of Amenhotep III’s first sed festival. The ages of the daughters and the style of Tiye’s wig suggest it dates to the third decade of the king’s reign. The limestone used for the statue may have come from the quarrying work done for the tomb of Tiye’s steward, Kheruef.
Notably absent from the statue is Sitamun, the royal couple’s eldest daughter, likely because she had already been elevated to the rank of Great Royal Wife by the 30th year of Amenhotep’s reign. Henuttaneb, though not mentioned as a queen elsewhere, is given a queenly title on this statue, indicating her elevated status.
Historical Journey
The statue originally stood in Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple, the largest temple complex in Thebes. Built too close to the floodplain, the temple fell into ruin within 200 years, with many of its stones repurposed by later pharaohs. The statue, found in fragments in the late 19th century, was moved to Cairo and reassembled for the opening of the Egyptian Museum in 1902.
In 2011, new fragments of the statue were discovered during a rescue excavation in Luxor. These pieces, including parts of the headdress, chest, and legs of the king, and parts of the wig and arms of the queen, helped to complete 70% of the statue.
Modern Conservation
The statue has undergone various conservation efforts over the years. In 2005, a limestone head found in a private collection was identified as the head of Princess Nebetah, a part of the statue. This head was sold in 2008, and an exact copy was attached to the statue in Cairo.
The restoration of the statue highlights the ongoing commitment to preserving Egypt’s rich cultural heritage. Each discovery adds to our understanding of the lives and legacies of Amenhotep III and his family, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of their reign.
The colossal statue of Amenhotep III and Tiye, with its intricate details and historical significance, continues to captivate visitors and scholars alike. This magnificent work of art stands as a symbol of ancient Egypt’s artistic prowess and the enduring legacy of one of its most notable pharaohs and his queen.
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